2 Killed, 6 Hurt as Truck Veers Off I-5 Freeway

Two people were killed and two critically injured when a pickup truck carrying eight family members veered off a freeway and rolled over near Sylmar on Sunday, authorities said.

The driver, Francisco Luis, 34, of Agua Dulce and Alondra Rivera, 3, of Van Nuys were killed.

The 1988 Ford F-150 truck was traveling south on the Golden State Freeway just beyond the Foothill Freeway overpass when it crashed about 12:45 p.m.

The truck veered onto the right shoulder and the driver over-corrected, said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Larry Wilson.

“The truck started sliding in the dirt, which built up a dirt berm, which caused him to stop sliding and roll over,” Wilson said, surveying the wreckage.

One of the truck’s tires had developed tread separation, but officers do not know if it caused the crash, CHP Officer Alex Gonzalez said.

It was unknown whether all eight people were inside the extended passenger cab. The truck was equipped with five seat belts, Wilson said.

Several people were thrown from the truck, including the driver, whose body was found about 75 feet away, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Alondra Rivera died at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, where Sandra Luis, 26, and her son, Stanislaus Luis, 8, were treated for minor injuries and released.

Carlos Rivera, 8, suffered back injuries and was in critical condition, while Francisco Luis Jr., 9, had a fractured arm and was listed in fair condition at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. A hospital spokesman said it was believed the two boys were cousins.

Elizabeth Luis, 5, was in critical condition and Jonathon Luis, 3, was in fair condition at UCLA Medical Center in Westwood.

The Luises are from Agua Dulce and the Riveras are from Van Nuys, authorities said.